Trekking rare and endangered mountain gorillas is a bucket-list activity for many nature lovers, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Uganda has easy access to at least six gorilla families who live in nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Built as a conservation project between the Nkuringo community, the African Wildlife Foundation and the Uganda Safari Company, Clouds’ goal is to support long-term protection of the gorillas. Clad in natural stone and featuring tranquil forest and Virunga volcano views from its large windows, the lodge has a cosy, comfortable feel with spacious en suite bathrooms, fireplaces, a bar and friendly staff, which includes personal butlers.

In addition to seeing our closest living relatives, there is plenty else to see and do at Clouds. Go birding with guides deep into Bwindi; take a walk through Buniga Forest and meet members of the Batwa community of Sanuriro; experience a local church service or visit a school; play football against a community team on a pitch named ‘On Top of the World’ or just relax with a massage in the Okuruhuuka Spa and private dinner in an awe-inspiring location.

All guests must be 15 or older to participate in gorilla trekking but there are numerous age-appropriate activities – like dancing, drumming, art, treasure hunts and interactive games with village children – to keep your little ones entertained during the day.

Highlights

• Trek rare mountain gorillas
• Search for red-tailed & colobus monkeys
• Meet the Batwa people
• Take forest walks & go birding
• Enjoy private dinners & picnics
• Experience a truly authentic slice of Ugandan life
• Child-friendly activities for under-15s

Activities

• BIRD WATCHING
• GORILLA TRACKING
• GUIDED WALKS
• LOCAL VILLAGE VISITS
• BIKING
• PICNICS

Rooms

Double Cottage

There are six suites with double beds and spacious en suite bathrooms with double vanities and walk-in showers. All rooms are comfortable and cosy with fireplaces to ward off the cool evening mist.

Two family suites at Clouds can sleep two adults and two children.

Facilities

At Clouds, the mountain gorillas and the exceptional beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are allowed to take centre stage. In the evening, enjoy a tipple at the bar or use the Wi-Fi in the communal areas, which are heated by open fireplaces.

You can also unwind in the Okuruhuuka Massage Spa, where women from the Nkuringo community have been trained in the art of African massage using all-natural products, including lemongrass and essential oils.

The staff at Clouds are also able to arrange many interesting activities like birding, forest walks, church services, village and school visits, football games and a photographic journey led by an experienced guide to nearby beauty spots and incredible landscapes.

During the day, under-15s who are not permitted to go gorilla trekking can be entertained by members of the Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation with African dancing and drumming lessons, art projects, treasure hunts and interactive games with village children.

In the evenings, enjoy sundowners and a dramatic view of the Virunga volcanoes as a local group performs indigenous songs and dances.

Dining

All meals at Clouds are included but special extras include special packed picnics (which can include champagne) to the Buniga Pocket Forest and private dinners in out-the-way locations.